Africell Enhances Digital Inclusion
Africell Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its leadership in digital transformation by playing a pivotal role in the 2025 Sierra Leone Innovates Digital Government Summit held in Freetown. The high-profile event, hosted by the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI), brought together Government officials, private sector leaders, youth innovators and international stakeholders to chart a path toward a digitally inclusive and technology-driven future for Sierra Leone.
As one of the summit’s main sponsors, Africell went beyond financial support to actively engage in shaping the summit’s vision and success. Malek El Koussa, Africell’s Chief Operating Officer, commended the Government’s ambitious digital agenda and the summit’s impact in advancing national dialogue around innovation.
“This year’s summit has truly raised the bar,” Malek El Koussa said. “We are proud to be part of this movement, where the President’s directives have clearly outlined a digital future for Sierra Leone. It is now the collective responsibility of public institutions and private enterprises to align with that vision and drive innovation that makes a difference in people’s lives.”
At the summit’s tech exhibition, Africell unveiled a range of groundbreaking technologies designed to bridge the digital divide, particularly in underserved communities. A standout innovation was AI-EVA, a voice-powered artificial intelligence service capable of responding in local languages; ideal for users without smartphones or internet access. AI-EVA is tailored to support farmers, traders, students and rural populations, reinforcing Africell’s commitment to digital inclusion.
Also featured was AfroGPT, a localized and offline-adapted version of the widely known ChatGPT model. AfroGPT enables access to AI-generated information and educational content on basic devices, democratizing access to knowledge across Sierra Leone.
“We believe the future belongs to our youths and those who dare to dream,” said Malek El Koussa. “Platforms like this summit offer young people the inspiration and opportunity to understand how technology can be the key to unlocking their potential.”
Africell also showcased its latest advancements in connectivity, including 5G routers, smart Samsung devices and the increasingly popular Star Fiber internet bundles for homes. As the official distributor for Samsung in Sierra Leone, Africell is playing a crucial role in making high-quality technology accessible to the wider population.
In the financial technology space, the company highlighted the expanding capabilities of Afrimoney, its mobile money platform, which now offers international remittance services. With a focus on reaching unbanked and remote communities, Africell continues to strengthen its footprint in Sierra Leone’s digital financial ecosystem.
Malek El Koussa delivered a powerful message to the nation’s youths and citizens, urging them to embrace technological change:
“Change is inevitable. We once moved from analog phones to smartphones; now we are shifting from manual to digital systems. If you resist technology, it will leave you behind. But if you embrace it, it will uplift you.”
The 2025 Sierra Leone Innovates Summit underscored the crucial role of private sector partners like Africell in advancing national development priorities. Under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, whose administration has prioritized digital governance and innovation, Africell stands out as not just a telecom company, but a strategic enabler of Sierra Leone’s digital transformation.
With a clear focus on inclusion, accessibility and innovation, Africell is proving that technology, when used responsibly and creatively, can change lives and build nations.